Colorado is a dream destination for many travelers, offering everything from world-class ski resorts to bustling cities and quiet mountain getaways. In 2025, a few of the best Airbnb markets in Colorado stand out for their strong demand, growth potential, and solid returns.
Let's take a closer look at the five best Airbnb markets in Colorado and see what makes them great investment opportunities for this year:
- Estes Park: Best high-end investment
- Colorado Springs: Best low-risk investment
- Florissant: Best up-and-coming destination
- Creede: Best for low competition
- Federal Heights: Most friendly city for Airbnbs
How we picked the best Airbnb markets in Colorado
Colorado's short-term rental (STR) market is diverse, so finding the best opportunities meant analyzing what makes each location unique. By focusing on key data from Forecast in SummerOS, we identified the markets that stand out in 2025.
Here's how we decided on the best STR towns in Colorado:
- Consistent bookings: Markets that attract guests all year round for steadier income.
- High earning potential: We evaluated revenue, occupancy rates, and daily prices to find cities with strong financial returns.
- Host-friendly policies: Simple and clear regulations made certain cities a better fit for Airbnb operators.
- Affordable options: Accessible property prices that balance risk and reward were a priority.
- Emerging growth: Cities experiencing a rise in tourism or rental demand earned their place for their future potential.
With these criteria and data from Forecast in SummerOS, we narrowed down the best short-term rental markets in Colorado. These five destinations reflect what makes Colorado an incredible place for both travelers and hosts.
We didn’t just guess—we used Forecast in SummerOS to pinpoint the data that matters. Want to uncover top STR markets for your next investment? Find your next opportunity with Forecast to turn data into smarter decisions.
1. Estes Park: Best high-end investment
Tucked into the foothills of Rocky Mountain National Park is Estes Park, a town known for its breathtaking mountain views, upscale retreats, and endless outdoor activities. For premium getaways, Estes Park is the go-to for many travelers.
Part of its appeal lies in its exclusivity. With an average daily rate of $344 and gross revenue of $62,640, properties here clearly attract guests willing to pay for quality. The 56% occupancy rate may seem modest, but the high nightly rates make it a lucrative choice for investors.
The average listing price of $950,946 positions Estes Park as a market for hosts ready to invest in something substantial.
2. Colorado Springs: Best low-risk investment
For a stable, low-risk Airbnb investment, you can't go wrong with Colorado Springs. Located at the base of Pikes Peak, this city attracts a steady stream of tourists and business travelers throughout the year, thanks to its military bases, outdoor adventures, and vibrant local economy.
While it may not command the luxury rates of Estes Park, Colorado Springs has a significantly higher occupancy rate of 71%. Coupled with a daily rate of $189 and gross revenue averaging $42,731, it's a market built on steady, reliable bookings. The relatively affordable listing price of $578,216 also makes it a more accessible option compared to other high-end destinations,
With over 1,000 rental units, the short-term rental market in Colorado Springs is competitive, but there are still a lot of opportunities for potential hosts to thrive. Judging by the numbers (especially in terms of ROI), it's a great city for investors looking to minimize risk without sacrificing returns.
3. Florissant: Best up-and-coming destination
Florissant might not be as well-known as larger Colorado markets, but its growing popularity and promising returns make it an appealing option for investors eager to get in early on an up-and-coming destination.
With its proximity to the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and a peaceful, mountain town atmosphere, it's becoming a favorite for travelers looking to relax and unwind in nature. For potential hosts, the 42% growth in active short-term rentals over the past two years show a market ready for investment.
Florissant offers a strong mix of growth and opportunity. With a daily rate of $269 and average gross revenue of $51,468, it provides solid earning potential. The 60% occupancy rate reflects steady demand, while the limited number of current short-term rentals means a lot of room to grow a business.
Keep in mind that the average listing price of $645,035 is on the higher side for a small town, but the market's growth trajectory creates plenty of opportunities for investors to establish themselves.
4. Creede: Best for low competition
Creede, a historic mining town surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, offers a rare opportunity for short-term rental hosts: almost no competition. With just a handful of active short-term rentals, it's a market where standing out is practically guaranteed. For beginner hosts looking to carve out their niche, Creede's exclusivity is a big plus.
Though the 50% occupancy rate is modest compared to other markets, Creede makes up for it with a daily rate of $246 and gross revenue averaging $38,470. Guests come here to immerse themselves in history and gorgeous scenery, and they're willing to pay a premium for the experience.
The average listing price of $1,300,618 solidifies Creede's position as a high-end market, but for those ready to invest, it offers an opportunity to cater to a niche audience without fierce competition. Compared to more saturated destinations, Creede's limited number of rentals gives hosts the chance to shine.
5. Federal Heights: Most friendly city for Airbnbs
Located in Adams County and just a quick drive from Denver, Federal Heights stands out for its Airbnb-friendly policies and proximity to Colorado's busiest city.
Adams County's regulations are some of the most flexible in Colorado. While individual cities and towns in the county have introduced their own regulations regarding STRs, Federal Heights remains lenient.
The location is also very appealing as it's close enough to Denver to attract urban visitors but far enough to avoid oversaturated competition. This is reflected in the numbers, with a 69% occupancy rate and only around 200 active short-term rentals in the city.
The Adams County average listing price of $538,040 makes it an affordable option compared to Denver's higher property costs. And, with a daily rate of $240 and average gross revenue of $49,570, hosts can count on solid returns from investing in this city.
Is Airbnb profitable in Colorado?
Colorado's Airbnb market has something for every type of host, from luxury opportunities in Estes Park to stable, low-risk options in Colorado Springs. The key to profitability is finding the market that aligns with your goals and understanding the potential behind the numbers.
That's where Forecast in SummerOS makes all the difference. With powerful tools to analyze revenue, occupancy trends, and market dynamics, Forecast helps property managers and investors uncover the best Airbnb markets in the state and beyond.
Looking for your next investment? Let Forecast help you take the guesswork out of short-term rental success in Colorado.